Flyers to have new look vs. Leafs; sign 2 prospects
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Flyers Report: Broad Street Bull
Flyers to have new look vs. Leafs; sign 2 prospects
Sam Carchidi, Inquirer Staff Writer
Because of injuries and an illness, the Flyers will have a new-look lineup Thursday against visiting Toronto.
Winger Dan Carcillo (ill) missed his second straight practice Wednesday and probably won't play Thursday. Winger James van Riemsdyk, who appears to have a groin issue, skated Wednesday but is doubtful for the game.
Defenseman Chris Pronger (hand) and center Blair Betts (finger) are both probable for Thursday. Both are coming off injuries. Darroll Powe will likely take face-offs for Betts, who is still trying to regain strength in his left ring finger.
The Flyers, coming off Saturday's listless 4-1 loss to lowly Ottawa, had their third straight grueling practice Wednesday.
"Hopefully, it pays dividends," GM Paul Holmgren said.
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The lines for Thursday may look like this:
Hartnell-Briere-Leino; Nodl-Giroux-Carter. Zherdev-Richards-Versteeg; Shelley-Betts-Powe.
Coach Peter Laviolette may flip-flop Zherdev and Nodl. He has had them on different lines the last two practices.
Sergei Bobrovsky is expected to be in the nets Thursday.
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The Flyers signed right winger Jason Akeson of the Ontario Hockey League’s Kitchener Rangers and center Tyler Brown of the OHL’s Plymouth Whalers to entry-level contracts that will begin at the start of the 2011-12 season.
Akeson, 20, leads the OHL in scoring with 24 goals and 79 assists for 103 points. He is plus-26. Brown, 21, has 54 points (24 goals, 30 assists) and four shorthanded goals. Both players are Ontario natives.
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Didn't you say Carcillo would be out? Then 4th line should be Shelley-Betts-Powe— conceptual_bro- Yeah, stick Z on a line w/ Giroux and Carter. That way the only player with hustle would be Giroux.— AEPi71
Comment removed.- i don't know why Shelley or Carcillo would play over Z, especially come playoffs. Put Nodl on the fourth line, where all the hustle and no production players go, and put Z with Richards and Versteeg. That sounds like a really good line on paper. JVR-Giroux-Carter also sounds dangerous. Giroux and Carter need someone battling in front of the net, Nodl isn't that player.— lawsuit time
- I agree 100% AEPi71, Z is a one way player, and Carter is very, very lazy. Not sure right now about his contract situation, but I wouldn't hesitate trading Carter at all in the offseason. If he is not taking a shot and getting it blocked, he is just gliding out there. I don't care what his numbers suggest, he is not a team player in my book!— kevin44
- Put Carter on the 4th line to light a fire. Kid has no heart this year.— AEPi71
- Put Carter on the fourth line to light a fire, he has no heart. Do you even watch hockey? He leads the team in shots, is tied with Briere for first with 28 goals, and is second after Giroux in points with 55 and is a +21. What are you talking about?— John663
- Finally some other Flyers fans who think Carter is not the player everyone thinks he is. All he does is shoot! He never creates other scoring opportunities for his linemates, he rarely extends plays or battles for loose pucks. He does back check, I will give him that but his stats are not consistent with his play. Yes he is a 40 goal scorer but when you play 20 minutes a night and shoot from anywhere, you better score 40% of the time! So tired of him coming down the wing and shooting it at bad angles or into the netting. Without G on that line, he is average at best!— Fabulous
- Let me clue you in to some knowledge, slick, as you are in desperate need for some - when you say "Yes he is a 40 goal scorer" THERE IS NO 'BUT' THAT COMES AFTER! — Brian F.
- Comment removed.
- "he's not really that type of player....."
He's downright lazy!!!— Big_Show - Carter has improved quite a bit defensively this year, he needs to improve his passing first and foremost.— flyerdommo
- Wow! What more do you want from Carter? 55 Points, 28 goals, 5 game winning goals, and a +21. If anything he's getting tired. Now you want him to pass? Boy I wish we had a couple more like him.....although I'm pretty happy with everyone we have. You guys must be from Philly, you're never happy until you get the trophy, and then you guys critique the way you won it! Haha tough crowd down there. I admire your perseverence, and those boos in the stands definately get the attention of everyone down there! But you guys have some great teams that for the most part are competitve every year! Try being a die hard Browns fan, maybe that's why I have a more tolerable perspective. Thank God I have the flyers.— Pocono Phlyer
- I have no problem with Carter not taking the body. Yes I watch the games. As well as play and ref. THat however does not make me any type of expert. I would think it does qualify to know a bit of what I'm talking about. I was at the game against the NYI and noticed often he would rather let the opponent get the puck then go into the corner. Also he shoots and peel away. He doesn't angle to the net if a D man steps up on him. I'm not saying he needs to be as physical as a Richards or Carcillo. But IMO, if he pushed himself into the physical aspects a little more than I'd have no problem with him. He's got the size, he doesn't use. He only uses his offensive skills. Nothing wrong with expecting him to hustle and mix it up a bit like Giroux does.— AEPi71
- I guess you're right AEPi71, I sure can't argue the game with a player or a ref! Maybe he'll take your advice in the playoffs.— Pocono Phlyer
